Tennessee Vols football: 3 things to start season

While the Vols didn’t win as many games as Tennessee had hoped under Derek Dooley, the program did keep its tradition of producing NFL wide receivers in Cordarrelle Patterson, Da’Rick Rogers and Justin Hunter. While Butch Jones’ first season was not nearly as explosive from the position, guys like Marquez North, Von Pearson, Pig Howard and Station Camp’s Josh Malone offer big-play ability on the outside once again.

THINGS GET TOUGH EARLY

While much is made out of the Vols’ visit to Oklahoma on Sept. 13, there are two early season games that could prove to be tricky for a team looking for its first winning season since 2009. Utah State has won 20 games in the past two seasons, and Arkansas State, which is the Vols’ second opponent, has been to three consecutive bowl games.

MIDDLE TENNESSEE FLAVOR

The Vols have been making waves with their in-state recruiting since the arrival of Butch Jones, and the dividends may start paying off as early as this season. Jashon Robertson of MBA has earned a starting guard spot after switching from defensive line. Beech’s Jalen Hurd and Independence’s Vic Wharton impressed as true freshmen skill position players during fall camp. There are players from 10 Midstate high schools on the roster.